In spite of Ronaldo’s recent achievements in Saudi Arabia, many, many soccer fans across the globe have concluded that Ronaldo is worse than Messi. They think that Messi’s astonishing army of trophies, awards, accolades, goals, assists, and highlights qualify him to be the greatest of all time. In this article, I will silence the Ronaldo haters by laying out a four-pronged defense as to why Ronaldo retains his GOAT status.
1. Ronaldo has Proven Himself in More Leagues
Ronaldo has a unique versatility to his play style. He is able to adapt and thrive despite different conditions with different coaches in different leagues. He has also played in five of the best leagues in the world, not only as a good player, but as the best. This diversity and ability to change roles displays his unique ability to become a master of all skills.
2. Ronaldo won the Euros in 2016
In 2016, Ronaldo carried a team of Portuguese scrubs to the final of the 2016 Euros. The Euro is a form of European currency. But it is also an international tournament with the most elite European teams competing for the trophy. This tournament is much more competitive than the low quality of the Copa America. One might argue that Pele, Maradona, Neymar, Ronaldo Nazario, Messi, and a whole host of other great players played in the Copa America. However, the list of great European players is longer. Therefore, reigning victorious in the Euro is a much greater achievement than Messi’s Copa America win.
3. Ronaldo Scores More Penalties
Messi and Ronaldo are both attacking players, and therefore both entrusted with taking penalty kicks for their team. However, Ronaldo is much better at burying this uncontested shot from twelve yards out. Over Ronaldo’s twenty-one year career, he has scored 130 club penalties. Messi, in contrast, has only 109 penalty goals. Although a twenty-one goal margin seems small, these penalties could be the difference between a trophy or scoring record.
4. Ronaldo has better abs than Messi
With the physique of a Greek god, Ronaldo remains the only human to have seven abs. This feat by itself is a testament to his incredible athleticism. His physical form has been chiseled like the clay canvas of a Michelangelo sculpture by decades of dedication. Also similar to a Michelangelo sculpture, Ronaldo’s abs are admired around the world for their artistic beauty. Ronaldo has molded himself into a prime specimen of peak human form, rivaling the Edenic beauty portrayed by Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam”.
